As a Master Recycler/Composter, you will support and inspire others in your community to reduce waste, recycle more and compost. You will also gain knowledge from experts, get experience volunteering in the field, and join a large community of volunteers who are enthusiastic about waste reduction and helping others.

Course topics

• Waste prevention and thoughtful consumption
• Recycling process and sorting information
• Organics recycling and home composting
• Addressing bias and privilege when volunteering
• Public engagement and the motivating behavior change

This course gives participants the tools and education they need to be successful Master Recycler/Composter volunteers; no prior knowledge about waste or recycling is required. Hennepin County provides ongoing support, resources and continuing education to volunteers.

Participant commitment

Participants agree to attend all six class dates and to dedicate approximately 1-hour per week of independent study outside of class. Any field trips are optional but highly encouraged.

Participants commit to volunteer 30-hours of public outreach after graduating from the class. When the 30-hour commitment is fulfilled, participants are considered certified master recycler/composters and are encouraged to continue their volunteer service.

The commitment to use their newfound knowledge and skills to give back to their community is what make Master Recycler/Composter volunteers so special!

If you have a project or event that could use Master Recycler/Composter volunteers, email Kaitlin Steinberg at kaitlin.steinberg@hennepin.us.

Applicable volunteer opportunities for Master Recycler/Composters can include:

• Designing and implementing waste reduction and recycling plans
• Staffing booths and monitoring waste at events
• Creating educational resources and displays
• Giving educational talks/presentations to all ages
• Food rescue activities